Heretical probably but I don't think Polo shirts make sense

[babygreenspots]

Interesting suggestions regarding the tech fabrics that absorb moisture. I'm always nervous about non natural fabrics causing sweating rather than absorbing it. Also, do most of these just end up looking athletic?

 

[Just_Matt]

Originally Posted by Threadbearer

Count me among the heretics; I'm with you, brother. I also think most polos are fairly unflattering, mostly because of the collar, but also because of the cut and the colors they generally come in. To my eye, polos only look appropriate on golfers and little boys.

For my money, the best summer shirt is a breezy linen button-front, usually with the sleeves rolled up.

I really am glad I wasn't the only one who felt this way.

 

[Loose On The Lead]

Originally Posted by babygreenspots

I'm always nervous about non natural fabrics causing sweating rather than absorbing it.
I don't think there's much debate at this point about the performance of Coolmax in sweaty situations. There are reasons (visual texture, overall feel against your skin, drape, whatever), but that's not one of them.

 

[Crane's]

The quick drying/wicking technical fabrics are a joy to wear when it's hot. My main job is construction which can bring new meaning to being active. LOL. Once it gets hot out I do not wear anything cotton at all. The athletic style of clothing is designed for freedom of movement so it's loose fitting as it should be. There is nothing worse than soaking wet binding clothing on a miserably hot day. The other benefit of technical fabrics is most of them are antimicrobial. They don't stink and they help prevent warm weather skin issues.

 

[repressedm]

I like polos a lot. They can straddle various levels of formality, which I appreciate.

 

[Bradford]

Originally Posted by yfyf

Actually, if we're going to ***** about polo shirts, my beef with them is the typical collar. It's very flat and shapeless, it tends not to have much vertical height which gives the polo a sort of collarless t-shirt look. I think you might find that people who look bad in t-shirts will look bad in polos as well. This is the main reason why I rarely wear polos.

Of course, some makers have a more shirt-like collar and I find that a lot more attractive.

Simple solution - pop your collar

Originally Posted by Loose On The Lead

Another option is BB's ProSport line, which is now discounted. I'd be interested to read people's opinions on how those polos look. My impression of the white one I got for free is that it feels nice, but looks too clearly like it's designed for athletic pursuits. But I don't trust my visual impressions at all, and neither should you (trust mine, that is).

BB ProSport polos

I hate the BB ProSport logo. It's way too big and gaudy and just seems to go against the understated look that is Brooks Brothers stock in trade.

If I wanted a shirt like this, there are all sorts of better options, Nike Dri-Fit with a simple Swoosh on the sleeve - http://www.amazon.com/Nike-Golf-Dri-...ref=pd_sbs_a_4 or shirts from companies like Ping, Antigua or Ashworth.

 

[Thurston]

The high-tech shirts are all I buy for on the course wear anymore. They are light, comfortable, stay dry and look like mercerized cotton. They go straight from the dryer to the closet, which my wife loves. Some companies (Adidas, C&B) offer 60/40 blends that are still relatively light and dry while offering the structure and soft hand of cotton.

All that said, I have always viewed some of my shirts as being colder weather only due to the heavier knit. Sizing plays a major role as well. Most Americans wear their polo shirts supersized. A nice trim navy or white polo goes with a pair of khaki shorts as easily as a tee shirt. It helps if the shirt and shorts both have honest age on them.

 

[gordon gartrell]

Gosh its crazy what idle time does to the mind....my thoughts on this thread

 

[Tarmac]

"Sportswear" as defined by the department store is a funny term. It basically includes anything other than suits and ties. And the maximum amount of sports exertion they are designed for is mowing the lawn or just maybe sailing a boat.

Please don't start wearing "technical" gear around though. Do you really need coolmax, stretch goretex and carbon fiber Nike airs when you get groceries?

 

[tiecollector]

I think the pique polos are great for wearing anytime any place. They are durable and the texture looks nice. There are other styles of polos though, I have some that are made from a t-shirt like material that are much thinner than RL type polos. Wearing a brighter colored polo like the ones from Lacoste also keeps them cooler. I've never had a problem with polos, they are a goto style in my closet.

Originally Posted by Tarmac

"Sportswear" as defined by the department store is a funny term. It basically includes anything other than suits and ties. And the maximum amount of sports exertion they are designed for is mowing the lawn or just maybe sailing a boat. Please don't start wearing "technical" gear around though. Do you really need coolmax, stretch goretex and carbon fiber Nike airs when you get groceries?
Tennis? In Europe I've seen people go running in them. I think they are fine for sports, more durable than a t-shirt and more stylish.

 

[Threadbearer]

Originally Posted by Roger

some Brioni polos are available with a stiffer, higher, stitched, and more structured collar. I've picked up several just like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-BRIONI-POLO-...QQcmdZViewItem
That's a definite improvement over the standard polo. Thanks for the link, Roger.

 

[Bradford]

Honestly, I don't like the look of that Brioni polo at all. The big collar and the pocket remind me of the golf shirts worn back in the early 80's. Just not my style.

I can't imagine going running in a polo, but they're certainly the right outfit for tennis, racquetball, golf. And hey, who says mowing the lawn is not an athletic pursuits. I've never mowed my lawn in anything nicer than a tee-shirt, but it's certainly a sweat inducing pursuit!

 

[Margaret]

I think other people usually look just fine in them, but I agree with most of the comments about their downsides. I personally haven't worn one in many, many years. In fact, except for workouts or at the beach, I never wear anything (in public) but some kind of collared button-front cotton shirt, or the occasional turtleneck in the cooler months.

 

[JayJay]

I like having a few around for casual evenings at home or running errands. I rarely wear them to social functions and never wear them for business casual. Although I don't mind them for lounging around the house, I have the same complaints about them as others have expressed.

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by Bradford

Honestly, I don't like the look of that Brioni polo at all.

the Brioni polo screams fat rich slob wear